Airservices recognises International Firefighters’ Day

Airservices Australia has recognised the efforts of seven of its aviation rescue fire fighters based at Townsville Airport as part of International Firefighters’ Day.

The St Florian Award, named after the patron Saint of fire fighters, was awarded to Townsville’s Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) “Red Crew” and naming them as ‘Crew of the Year’.

International Firefighters’ Day is observed annually on 4 May in a tribute to the death of five Victorian fire fighters during tragic circumstances on 4 January 1999, while they were battling a wildfire near Linton, Victoria.

The award recognises Red Crew’s professionalism, initiative, team work and community involvement throughout the past year.

“Congratulations to our fire fighters of Red Crew in Townsville for not only providing such a professional service, but for their team spirit, initiative and connection the local community,” said Airservices Executive General Manager, ARFF, Michelle Bennetts.

“We have one of the largest, most highly-trained and professional aviation rescue and fire fighting services in the world. International Firefighters’ Day is a great way to recognise the contribution all of our fire fighters make to aviation safety on a daily basis.”

Airservices ARFF Station Manager at Townsville Airport, Senior Fire Commander Garry Browning, said Red Crew are part of more than 800 fire fighters around the country at the nation’s 22 busiest airports.

“Red Crew is honoured to be awarded ‘Crew of The Year’ for their efforts which they have taken in their stride,” said Mr Browning.

“We have a close-knit team here at our Townsville Airport ARFF station and on behalf of the whole station I congratulate the crew for their everyday efforts in providing such a valuable service to the travelling public.”

The fire fighters of Red Crew were presented with a shield and received a $5000 prize which the crew will donate to the Ronald McDonald House in Townsville.